A music workstation is an extensive musical instrument with a combined sequencer and synthesizer functionality. The sequencer has the ability to record that which plays on the keyboard. History
The concept of a sequencer combined with a synthesizer began in the late 1970s when microprocessors, digital synthesis and storage media were attractive in a single device, making for many music producers and artists an affordable option. Prior to that, the integration was manually executed with cables in large modular synthesizers, with the notes being stored via controllable resistors on an analog sequencer.
Example of a first generation music workstation was the 1979 Fairlight CMI.
In the early 1980s, there was much development in memory and storage. As a result, the amount of sample memory increased and more sounds could be saved. The biggest change in the industry was the arrival of the MIDI standard in 1983. This allowed the first played notes to be sent to another music device.
In the late 1980's, more frequent built-in MIDI sequencers appeared in professional synthesizers. The 1988 Korg M1 became a popular example of this.
Yamaha, Roland and Korg use sampling as a standard option at Korg Triton (1999), Yamaha Motif (2001), and Roland Fantom (2001). These workstations have a fairly large display to provide a clear overview of all audio, sequencer and sampling options. When touchscreens became cheaper, this option was applied in later models. Pictures
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